View from an asphalt campsite pad overlooking the amenity area of a Lake Lanier campsite, which includes a gravel pad with a picnic table, grill, and water hook-up. The scene opens to a wide, peaceful view of Lake Lanier under a cloudy sky, capturing a quiet moment while camping on Lake Lanier.

Lake Lanier Campgrounds: The Good and Bad

Bymorganmiddleton Posted on Updated on

You might be asking yourself why should you take our word about the campgrounds on Lake Lanier.

The answer is simple!

We both grew up around this lake and have spent countless nights camping (and living) here so we’re kind of experts…

Whether you’re fishing from the shore, kayaking through serene coves, or simply unwinding by the campfire, Lake Lanier offers something for everyone. So check out the list below and pick which campground you want to visit first.

Then pack your bags, grab your camping gear, and let’s dive into the wonders of camping at Lake Lanier!

Camping in our Alliance Valor at Bald Ridge Creek Campground on Lake Lanier

Bald Ridge Creek Campground

We absolutely LOVE camping at Bald Ridge and highly recommend it to our friends. Whether you have a larger rig like us or if you prefer to tent camp, this is a great destination.

View of Lake Lanier from a shaded campsite with pine trees, a blue water spigot, and an electrical hookup in the foreground. Calm lake water stretches out under a blue sky, making it an ideal setting for camping on Lake Lanier.

Address:
4100 Bald Ridge Park Rd
Cumming, GA 30041

Open: Seasonally
(March 21-October 26)

Click Here to Make Reservations for Bald Ridge Creek Campground

Bolding Mill Campground

Address: 4055 Chestatee Rd / Gainesville, GA 30506
Open: Year Round (closes for Christmas week)
Click Here to Make Reservations for Bolding Mill Campground

Camp Margaritaville RV Resort Lanier Islands

Are you looking for a place to camp on Lake Lanier year-round with awesome amenities? Check out our thoughts on Camp Margaritaville!

Address: 7650 Lanier Islands Pkwy Buford, GA 30518

Open: Year Round

Silver pickup truck parked next to an Alliance RV at a campsite near Lake Lanier, with a muddy off-road side-by-side vehicle in front. Dry grass and fallen leaves cover the ground, reflecting a fall day of camping on Lake Lanier.


Click Here to Make Reservations for Camp Margaritaville RV Resort Lanier Islands

Don Carter State Park Campground

Address: 5000 North Browning Bridge Rd / Gainesville, GA 30506
Open: Year Round
Click Here to Make Reservations for Don Carter State Park

Duckett Mill Campground

Address: 3720 Duckett Mill Rd / Gainesville, GA 30506
Open: Seasonally (March 28-November 18)
Click Here to Make Reservations for Duckett Mill Campground

Old Federal Campground

You should camp at Old Federal if you can get a reservation. They have amazing views and great community space – pavilions, beach and swimming area, playground with a view, etc.

Read our full review of Old Federal Campground here.

Sandy shoreline with scattered trees overlooking the calm, blue water of Lake Lanier on a sunny day. A peaceful spot for relaxing, swimming, or simply enjoying nature while camping on Lake Lanier.

Address:
6219 Old Federal Rd
Flowery Branch, GA 30542

Open: Seasonally
(closing dates are pending)

Click Here to Make Reservations for Old Federal Campground

River Forks Park

Check out our detailed review of River Forks Park and why you may want to plan a camping trip there.

Shaded lakeside campsite on Lake Lanier with a concrete pad, picnic table, fire ring, and wooden railing overlooking calm green water. Surrounded by tall pine and hardwood trees, it’s a peaceful setting for camping on Lake Lanier.
Two young deer standing alert on a grassy hillside at the edge of a wooded area near a campsite. Wildlife sightings like this are a common and peaceful part of camping on Lake Lanier.

Address: 3500 Keith Bridge Rd / Gainesville, GA 30504
Open: RV Sites – Year Round (closes for Christmas week)
Tent Sites – Seasonally (March 1-Monday after Thanksgiving)
Click Here to Make Reservations for River Forks Campground

Sawnee Campground

This is another great option at a great price. Check out our thoughts on Sawnee Campground here.

Small metal boat dock extending into the calm blue waters of Lake Lanier, surrounded by trees and a view of wooded islands in the distance. A Forsyth County Parks & Recreation sign with boat dock rules stands nearby, highlighting a peaceful access point for boating and camping on Lake Lanier.

Address:
3200 Buford Dam Rd
Cumming, GA 30041

Open: Seasonally
(March 21-October 26)

Click Here to Make Reservations for Sawnee Campground

Shady Grove Campground

Shady Grove is one of our favorite places to camp on Lake Lanier. How could you blame us with that view?

Golden sunrise over a calm lake, with the sun peeking through tall trees and reflecting on the water’s surface. In the foreground, camping chairs, a picnic table, and a grill sit along the shoreline, adding a peaceful, outdoor atmosphere.
Sunrise over Laker Lanier from Site 78 – Shady Grove Campground

Address: 7800 Allyn Lane Memorial Way / Cumming, GA 30041
Open: Year Round
Click Here to Make Reservations for Shady Grove Campground

Shoal Creek Campground

This campground might be a good option for some but isn’t our favorite personally. Learn more about our opinion of Shoal Creek Campground here.

Sunny lakeside campsite at Lake Lanier with a paved pad, picnic table, grill, and a tree-shaded view overlooking the sparkling water. A scenic and serene location perfect for waterfront camping on Lake Lanier.

Address:
6300 Shadburn Ferry Rd
Buford, GA 30518

Open: Year Round

Click Here to Make Reservations for Shoal Creek Campground

Toto Creek Campground – Primitive Sites Only

Address: 154 Toto Creek Park Rd / Dawsonville, GA 30534
Open: Seasonally (March 1-October 31)
Click Here to Make Reservations for Toto Creek Campground

Van Pugh South Campground

Gated entrance to a former campground on Lake Lanier, with a stop sign, closed barrier arms, and a sign showing park hours. Once used for camping on Lake Lanier, the site now remains closed with no posted reopening date.

Address:
6749 Gaines Ferry Rd
Flowery Branch, GA 30542

Open: Currently closed with no indication of when it will reopen

War Hill Campground – Primitive Sites Only

Address: 4081 War Hill Park Rd / Dawsonville, GA 30534
Open: Seasonally (March 1-October 31)
Click Here to Make Reservations for War Hill Campground

Don’t have an RV? Then check out the day use parks on Lake Lanier. They are a great way to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

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Morgan Middleton is the owner and author of Middletons on the Move, a blog about RV travel and off-roading. Morgan, Alan (her husband), and Coco (their 95 lb pup) are traveling the country full-time in their RV.